Hope shines bright on the plains of an African reserve, where a dire rescue emboldens a new generation to take action. Litha (Liyabona Mroqoza) enjoys a carefree life in her humble home, with her father Thabo (Makhaola Ndebele) performing menial tasks around their town to earn a living. One day, a headstrong ranger named Khuselwa (Avumile Qongqo) picks Litha up and introduces her to the rhinos of their reserve. When a group of violent poachers attack, the situation quickly deteriorates, leaving the two fending for their lives and Litha uncovering a devastating secret.
More than just a film, The Last Ranger is a moving adaptation of real-life events on the Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa. Through its high-stakes action sequences that see the rangers at odds with poachers, and quieter moments that spotlight the modest living conditions of Litha’s family, this Oscar-qualifying short encompasses a unique cultural experience with values that transcend all boundaries. Khuselwa is a superb example of this, diligently protecting the animals alongside her partner Rob (David S. Lee) despite facing dangerous consequences.
Director Cindy Lee weaves strong themes of courage and duty into the narrative, ideals that young Litha fully embraces. Mroqoza is captivating in the lead, but it’s Qongqo who really steals the show as the titular character. Khuselwa is the kind of heroine you’ll want to root for, and you may also end up falling in love with Thandi, a beloved rhino who captures the heart of Litha as well.
The production quality of the film is genuinely world-class, to the point where you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder while watching it. The picturesque hills of the savanna are awe-inspiring on their own, but scenes where the actors come face-to-face with majestic wildlife are the crowning moments of The Last Ranger’s visual appeal. Grounded and real, it earns the right to be called epic without ever needing to resort to common blockbuster trickery.
The Last Ranger is a sprawling saga with an achingly real, yet hopeful story about the modern state of rhino poaching.
